If you've already been camping this summer... What did you wish you'd had with you? What was most useful?

[RasberryJamAndScones]

We're going camping next week for the first time in 3 years. I feel totally out of practice!

If you've already been this year would love to know what you've found especially useful or what you didn't take but wished you'd had there.
I need to get a new cool box so any specific recommendations for those would also be very welcome. Thank you in advance:-)

Camping gaz stove
Double self inflating mattress (they're big) but as good as our mattress at home
Full sized chopping board (we have a good quality plastic one)
Flipflops and easy dress for shower
Picnic blanket ( we are floor people)

google bug out bags when camping advice, they give you tips of the essentials

that said for me id choose power banks those rechargable ones to keep phones charged

Powerbanks! flipflops! Did not have either of these on our list. Thank you.

Microfibre towel poncho, life saver in the showers. I liked having ready to drink latte cans too.

and make sure you have the correct usb cables and spare ones too

My Icey Tek cool box kept everything really cold when I went camping a few weeks ago. Expensive but worth the money.

A hanging wash bag is useful as there’s often nowhere to put your shower stuff. And something like a dry robe or dressing gown to put on after your shower so you aren’t hopping around on a wet floor trying to get dressed.

Hammam towels as they dry really quickly and feel nicer than microfibre ones.

Lots and lots of snacks. Camping makes me hungry!

Line the cool box with some paper, I used an old paper shopping bag. Soaks up all the condensation.

solar chargers are good if the weather is sunny

blankets for chairs at night

solar fairy lights

If you are cooking, take oil, a new frying pan (easier to wash up), salt, spices, ketchup, kitchen roll…. Otherwise your first shop will cost £10000.

Dust pan and brush or a hand held vacuum if you're feeling fancy! The tent will get dusty/grassy etc. We bought a collapsible washing up drying rack which was really helpful and are sold in lots of places. Extendable marshmallow sticks to toast marshmallows and then smoors can be made!

Pegs. They're so useful for everything from sealing the tops of food packets to hanging out your bathers (if you take string to make a washing line).

Thanks will add dustpan & brush to the list :-)

A can opener

I always kept something like these overdoor hooks in my wash bag. Some shower cubicles don't have hooks for some reason so it was great to be able to pop one of these over the door. Mine were white plastic though so but less fancy than these!

Genius - we have some of those so will also pack, thank you. I hate camp site shower floors

Ear plugs. Real pillow from bed at home.

@Iheartmysmart Wow the icey Tek ones look great thank you but a bit too over budget for us - will probably only use a cool box 2-3 times a year.

Do you put your dry robe on to walk back to the tent and then get dressed there?

So I can't be woken up by my own children at 6am. Yes please!!

With the dry grass this was our best investment
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Indoor-Sweeping-Brush-Stainless-Handle/dp/B07H5HVHNL?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
large tent, bad back, small dustpan not a good combo!

We have a Campervan but we camped with friends who were in a tent a couple of weeks ago.
they were very cold at night and had not brought floofy socks, so these and fleece blankets
water bottles got beside the bed
head torch
baby wipes
insect repellent and incense or citronella candle
rechargeable dimmable lantern
spare ice packs for the campsite freezer
groundsheet for under your picnic blanket
bottle opener
a large thermos flask - heat water on the bbq and it will still be hot enough for next morning’s tea
483 teabags

A house.

Hot water bottle unless it's absolutely boiling - it's a godsend for filling up before bed (from the camping kettle) and chucking in your hot water bottle for cold feet. Will keep a sleeping bag toasty for hours.

@RasberryJamAndScones They are certainly expensive! And heavy.

Yes, I usually shower in the evening then put my ‘imitation’ dry robe on afterwards. Head back to the tent and sit outside with a glass or two of wine. It keeps me decent and warm until it’s time for pjs.

If you’re taking a dry robe or similar, take an empty pillowcase, they make great pillows

Thanks @Iheartmysmart@Twoshoesnewshoes I saw some dry robes in Aldi a few weeks back - will go and see if they still have them.

Why did I not think of that! You’re right, they’d make an excellent pillow.

I hope you are in luck @RasberryJamAndScones I bought mine from Passenger in the sale early this year after resisting getting one for ages. Well worth the money.